Aid workers are struggling to supply food, medical equipment and fresh water to those in desperate need.

Famine and disease are the increasing threat for the hundreds of thousands of survivors who remain stranded in remote areas.

The DEC, an amalgamation of 11 UK aid agencies, has set up a two-week appeal with the aim of raising at least £7m.

The appeal has made an even stronger start than a recent campaign for Sudan which raised £10m. In the first 24 hours the Hurricane Mitch appeal received 82,000 calls pledging a total of £1.9m in donations.

How you can help

Donations can be made to the Central America Hurricane Appeal in three ways.

You can make a credit or debit card donation by calling the appeal phone lines:0870 60 60 900 or0990 22 22 33.

The lines are open 24 hours a day.

Alternatively, donations to the appeal can be sent to:
The DEC Hurricane AppealPO Box 999London EC 3A 9AA

Cheques should be made payable to:The DEC Hurricane Appeal

Donations can also be left at any high street bank or post office.

Anyone organising a fundraising activity can contact any of the agencies involved in the DEC.